Imagine the perfect blend of rich caramel sweetness with the crispness of freshly picked apples. Picture the smoothness of a martini combined with the warm, comforting essence of autumn. Easy and delicious, this Caramel Apple Martini is one of my favorite fall cocktails. The best part? You only need three ingredients to make it!

caramel apple martini with apple slice garnish in martini glass.

In the fall, one of the most comforting flavor combinations (other than pumpkin with almost anything) is caramel and apple. As we head into autumn, I plan to gobble up as many of these flavors as possible. Fall foods are some of my favorite recipes! That’s why today, we are shaking up this Caramel Apple Martini!

Because of my love for all things fall, entertaining at this time of year is something I greatly look forward to. From the cooking to the decorating, hosting a get-together is an opportunity to do many of the things I love. And one of these is coming up with a unique fall cocktail recipe.

Inspired by the season ahead, I developed a Caramel Apple Martini for my first (and maybe every) fall gathering. This has quickly become one of my favorite new drinks. In fact, I love it so much I created another variation of this recipe: a caramel apple pie martini. It’s a creamy version of this tasty libation.

Now, this drink is sweet. If you’re looking for a seasonal apple drink that’s more tart than sweet, try out this Washington apple cocktail.

hand placing apple slice into caramel apple martini in a martini glass.

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Why You’ll Love this Recipe

2 Ingredients

3 How to Make

4 Recipe Variations

5 Frequently Asked Questions

6 More Fall Cocktails You’ll Love

7 Caramel Apple Martini

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

The Perfect Harmony of Flavors: The Caramel Apple Martini captures the essence of fall in every sip. The rich and velvety caramel, combined with the refreshing tang of apple cider, creates a harmonious blend of flavors perfect for the season.
Easy to Make: With just three ingredients, this cocktail is a breeze to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, the Caramel Apple Martini can be whipped up effortlessly, allowing you to spend less time mixing drinks and more time relishing the autumn ambiance.
Versatile: While this recipe showcases the delightful flavors of fall, it can also be enjoyed year-round. Whether it’s a chilly evening by the fireplace or a warm summer gathering, the Caramel Apple Martini’s versatility makes it a go-to option for any occasion.
Aesthetically Pleasing: The garnish of caramel and an apple slice adds a touch of elegance to this cocktail. The caramel rimmed around the edge of the glass and the apple slice floating atop the martini make for an enticing presentation that is sure to impress your guests.

caramel apple martini in a martini glass with text.

Ingredients

As I mentioned above, you only need three ingredients (plus optional garnishes) to make this caramel apple martini!

Apple Cider: Apple cider is a non-alcoholic beverage made from pressed apples. It has a slightly tangy and sweet flavor that adds a refreshing element to the cocktail. Look for fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best taste. It’s a signature fall ingredient that complements the caramel and apple flavors in the martini.
Caramel Vodka: Caramel vodka is a flavored vodka that infuses the smoothness of vodka with the rich, buttery notes of caramel. It adds a luscious sweetness to the cocktail, enhancing the caramel flavor and providing a subtle warmth. Caramel vodka is widely available in liquor stores and is a popular choice for creating dessert-like cocktails.
Butterscotch Schnapps: Butterscotch schnapps is a sweet liqueur with a distinct butterscotch flavor. It’s made by combining a neutral spirit with butterscotch syrup or extract. The butterscotch schnapps in this recipe intensifies the caramel flavor profile and contributes a velvety smoothness to the martini.

Optional Garnishes

Caramel: Caramel sauce or syrup is used as a garnish for the martini. It adds a visually appealing drizzle down the sides of the glass and enhances the caramel flavor.
Apple Slice: A thin slice of apple is used to garnish the martini, providing a touch of freshness and a nod to the key ingredient of the drink.
Cinnamon Sugar: You can also opt for a cinnamon and sugar rim. Just mix cinnamon and sugar together on a plate. Add a touch of apple cider to the rim of your glass, then dip into the cinnamon sugar mixture.

These ingredients come together to create a cocktail that combines the caramel sweetness of the vodka and schnapps with the crispness and tang of the apple cider, resulting in a harmonious and indulgent flavor experience.

hand adding cinnamon and sugar rim to martini glass.

How to Make

Ready to mix up your cocktail game? Follow these simple instructions to whip up the perfect Washington apple martini. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Rim your martini glass with caramel or cinnamon sugar. To get the cinnamon sugar to stick to the glass, dip the rim in a little apple cider, then the cinnamon sugar.

adding caramel sauce to the rim of a martini glass.

Combine the apple cider, caramel vodka, and butterscotch schnapps in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously.

cocktail shaker pour caramel apple martini into a martini glass.

Pour mixture into the rimmed martini glass.
Garnish with a slice of fresh apple.

Simple and so-o-o good! This has quickly become one of my favorite new drinks.

two caramel apple martinis with apples sitting on a kitchen counter.

Recipe Variations

Now that we’ve uncovered the secrets to a remarkable cocktail, let’s explore some exciting recipe variations that will further shake up your fall season. With a few tweaks and additions, you can put your own spin on the classic Caramel Apple Martini and create a unique twist that will impress your guests.

Firstly, if you’re looking to add a touch of warmth and spice to your martini, consider incorporating a splash of spiced rum. This addition will infuse your drink with rich, autumnal flavors, enhancing the overall experience. The combination of caramel, apple, and spiced rum creates a delightful balance that is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
For those who enjoy a little kick, why not try adding a dash of cayenne pepper to your Caramel Apple Martini? This unexpected twist will bring a subtle heat to the drink, complementing the sweetness of the caramel and the tartness of the apple.
If you prefer a creamier and decadent variation, consider introducing a dollop of whipped cream on top of your Caramel Apple Martini. The velvety texture and added sweetness will provide a luscious contrast to the crisp flavors of the caramel and apple. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or grated nutmeg on the whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. (You should also try my caramel apple pie martini. You’ll love it!)
For a non-alcoholic alternative, you can easily transform this martini into a mocktail by replacing the vodka with apple cider or sparkling apple juice. The fruity and refreshing nature of these alternatives will still allow you to enjoy the delicious combination of caramel and apple, making it a perfect

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute any of the ingredients?

Absolutely! While the original recipe calls for apple cider, caramel vodka, and butterscotch schnapps, you can experiment with different variations. For instance, you could use regular vodka instead of caramel vodka or add a splash of cinnamon schnapps for an extra autumnal twist.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version?

Yes, you can! To make a non-alcoholic Caramel Apple Martini, simply replace the caramel vodka and butterscotch schnapps with caramel syrup and apple juice. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less caramel syrup.

Can I make this as a batch recipe to serve a crowd?

You sure can! Here’s how:

To make a batch of Caramel Apple Martini, combine 4 cups of apple cider, 4 cups of caramel vodka, and 2 cup of butterscotch schnapps in a large pitcher or container. Stir well to combine, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld. Prior to serving, prepare your martini glasses with your chosen rim. Finally, pour in the chilled mixture to your martini glasses. Garnish with apple slices and enjoy!

hand adding apple slice to caramel apple martini

More Fall Cocktails You’ll Love

I know you’re going to love this caramel apple martini recipe. I’m certain you’ll be adding it to your list of favorite appetizer recipes, too! If you do make it, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

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